'REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY, FOR THE YEAR 1907-1908' [‎19v] (37/137)

Veterinary.
Education*
XXYl
BOMBAY ADMINISTRATION REPORT.
59 Einderpest was prevalent in every district of the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. , but the
epidemic was slightly less severe, the deaths numbering under 20,000 compared
with over 25,000 last year. This is no doubt the cause of the decline in the
number of animals inoculated. Pour new Veterinary Dispensaries were opened,
bringing the total number in the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. and Sind up to 34.
60. The total number of pupils shown as under instruction in educational
institutions rose by 28,844 or 4 per cent., a satisfactory increase in the number
of public institutions and in the attendance therein being counterbalanced to
some extent by a decline under private institutions. The number of female
pupils increased by 4 , 4 b 0 or 4 per cent, and the number of pupils learning
English by 1,250 or nearly 2 per cent. These totals, however, are rendered
somewhat misleading by the disturbing element of plague ; the severity of the
epidemic at the close of 1906-1907 having caused a much larger number of
pupils to be unrecorded than was the case in the year under report. The
increase of over 10 , 000 , or H per cent., in the average monthly number on the
rolls in public institutions is a much clearer indication of the actual progress,
which may be ascribed to increased facilities for education and increased appre
ciation of its benefits. The total expenditure on public instruction increased by
7 lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees to 113 lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees . An increase of If lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees under Provincial Eunds was
principally due to increased expenditure on salaries to professors and inspectors,
on Technical Education and on buildings and apparatus. The increase would
have been larger but for the discontinuance of the Government grant to the
Bombay Municipality, which is responsible for the greater part of the increase
under Municipal Eunds. An increase of Es. 90,000 under Local Eunds is ac
counted for by the opening of new schools, promotions to masters, and new
buildings. Of the total expenditure the Arts and Professional Colleges absorbed,
roughly, 8 per cent., Secondary Schools, 21 per cent., Primary Schools, 39 per
cent., schools for special instruction, 7 per cent., buildings and apparatus 14 per
cent., and miscellaneous items, including the University, inspection charges, and
scholarships, 11 per cent. There was a decline in the attendance in the Arts
and Professional Colleges, which partly accounts for there being fewer successes
in the examinations for degrees. But the percentage of passes was also con
siderably lower than last year. A decrease of 36 per cent, in the candidates for
Matriculation was almost entirely due to a very remarkable falling off in the
number of private students appearing for the examination. The figures for
High and Middle Schools show small increases in the number of institutions and
pupils. With regard to Primary Education, substantial progress is apparent
throughout the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. . All the divisions except Sind contribute to the
increase in the number of schools, and the number of scholars has risen in every
division except Kathiawar. Considering the vital importance of an adequate
supply of qualified teachers, it is satisfactory to note the large increase in the
number of candidates for the Vernacular Einal Examination, due to the lowering
of the age limit, and the improved attendance in the Training Schools. Turning
to Technical Education, Government made large grants during the year for
extensions and improvements to the School of Art, the Veterinary College, and,
especially, the Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute, The latter continues to
attract large numbers of pupils from all parts of India. The new classes in
motor-car mechanics established at the instance of and by the aid of Govern
ment were very successful. Steady progress was made with the buildings of the
new Agricultural College, Poona. Work under the revised curriculum has
already commenced, the students being lodged meanwhile in hired bungalows.
With regard to female education, the position is on the whole encouraging. The
positive prejudice against it is disappearing, and individuals, Societies and Local